Defend the STICK passing concept!

- when you anticipate a STICK passing strategy call a play with CBs in the flat and at least 3 hook zones underneathe: COVER 2 And COVER 6 DROP both do this....

- it's critical that the CB is in the flats (because he basically lines up in that spot - he is in the flat zone basically on the snap of the ball); plus their is a HOOK ZONE wide - in front of the trips receivers... (this occurs because the weak side OLB moves to flat assignment and the strong side OLB in cover 2 (or the NICKLE CB in cover 6) takes on a wider then normal hook zone on the strong side...

- the advantage is that the cover 6 concept brings a hook zone that would generally be on the OPPISITE side of the defense and places it right in front of where the inside receiver does the "stick" route... (This adjustment is done by the CPU because of the trips formation)

- instead of one defender (usually with flat responsibilities) choosing to cover either the flat route or the stick route, there is two defenders picking up both options instantly! The wide Hook defender and the CB in flat picks both threats up quickly!

* there are opportunities for picks on these plays - guys who run stick concept are use to one of the receivers being open, it's doubtful he will look to throw to a third option...

See this strategy utilized perfectly below: